Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - In the Europe of Total War
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lost their homes and possessions, and the future
seemed to them empty and meaningless. Total war
had this night shown itself at its worst. It nurtured
bitter thoughts. So this was where civilization had
led us! Here was the drama which plagued the life
of modern man. It had been enacted not only in
Berlin, but also in London and Warsaw, Rotterdam
and elsewhere. The whole thing was like a nightmare.
Certain conclusions I came to during that horrible
night, I should like to record.
In the first place, it is clear that no plans, however
well mapped out, will function under such
circumstances. It is impossible to maintain communications.
Everyone must realize that individual initiative is
a very important factor, and that each must deal
with eventualities as he deems best. I do not mean
that a strong air defence discipline is unnecessary,
far from that. But subordinate authorities cannot
depend on communications for instruction from
above, they must rely on themselves. In the second
place, personal courage plays a very important part.
In this connection I think especially important the
task of the fire wardens. While concentrating on
one structure, they cannot afford to be frightened by
what is happening in the adjacent buildings. However
dangerous it may be, they must do their utmost to
extinguish the fire bombs which have hit the
building, and to rescue the occupants. Another detail I
should like to stress is the advantage of having
goggles available. With the aid of these, one can
pass among burning buildings without being blinded.
Even though that night of the 22nd of November,
in Berlin, was one of the most terrible I have expe-
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